Peaking amplifier frequency tuning

ABSTRACT

The disclosure is directed to a tunable peaking amplifier circuit including: an input node, an output node and a feedback node; a first input amplifier having an input connected to the input node and an output connected to the feedback node; a second input amplifier having an input connected to the input node; a coupling capacitor connected between an output of the second input amplifier and the feedback node; an amplifier having an input connected to the feedback node and an output connected to the output node; and a feedback circuit having an input coupled to the output node and an output connected to the feedback node, the feedback circuit including a tuning circuit for varying a transconductance of the feedback circuit to adjust an operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to transmission systems, and more particularly to high speed peaking amplifier frequency tuning.

BACKGROUND

With the ever present demand for higher data rates in serial links, transmission frequencies have continued to increase. Unfortunately, the vast majority of communication channels suffer high losses at higher frequencies. To improve the maximum data rates of such links, it is often necessary to equalize the frequency response of the channel so that pulse distortion is reduced. For this reason, the receivers of modern high-speed data communication links commonly employ peaking amplifiers, which boost the high-frequency components of the received signal that were attenuated by the channel response.

Many peaking amplifiers use some combination of series inductive and/or shunt capacitive loading to generate a high gain at a certain frequency while suppressing the signal at other frequencies. While an effective solution, this type of peaking amplifier possesses an inherent tradeoff between bandwidth and loss/noise, with many peaking amplifiers focusing on a narrowband response with high signal integrity. While most of these peaking amplifiers are only meant to operate at a specific frequency, this narrowband response becomes problematic over PVT (process, voltage, temperature) variation, where the response of the peaking amplifier may shift such that the operating frequency is out of band.

SUMMARY

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to transmission systems, and more particularly to high speed peaking amplifier frequency tuning.

A first aspect includes a tunable peaking amplifier circuit including: an input node, an output node and a feedback node; a first input amplifier having an input connected to the input node and an output connected to the feedback node; a second input amplifier having an input connected to the input node; a coupling capacitor connected between an output of the second input amplifier and the feedback node; an amplifier having an input connected to the feedback node and an output connected to the output node; and a feedback circuit having an input coupled to the output node and an output connected to the feedback node, the feedback circuit including a tuning circuit for varying a transconductance of the feedback circuit to adjust an operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit.

A second aspect is related to a method, including: adjusting a transconductance of a feedback circuit of a peaking amplifier; and automatically adjusting an operational frequency of the peaking amplifier based on the adjustment of the transconductance of the feedback circuit.

A third aspect is related to an integrated circuit, including: a peaking amplifier circuit with: an input node, an output node and a feedback node; a first input amplifier having an input connected to the input node and an output connected to the feedback node; a second input amplifier having an input connected to the input node; a coupling capacitor connected between an output of the second input amplifier and the feedback node; an amplifier having an input connected to the feedback node and an output connected to the output node; and a feedback circuit having an input coupled to the output node and an output connected to the feedback node, the feedback circuit including a tuning circuit for varying a transconductance of the feedback circuit to adjust an operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts a frequency tunable peaking amplifier according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts the frequency tunable peaking amplifier of FIG. 1 divided into two stages according to embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a frequency tunable peaking amplifier with fine tuning according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a chart of the frequency response of an illustrative peaking amplifier with fine tuning according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a frequency tunable peaking amplifier with coarse tuning according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts the selective activation/deactivation of one or more feedback amplifiers using input switches.

FIG. 7 depicts a frequency tunable peaking amplifier with coarse tuning according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a frequency tunable peaking amplifier with fine and coarse tuning according to embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts a chart of the frequency response of an illustrative peaking amplifier with fine and coarse tuning according to embodiments.

It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the present teachings may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present teachings, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings. The following description is, therefore, merely illustrative. It is understood that the various process steps discussed herein can be implemented in the same manner and/or with slight modifications.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a frequency tunable peaking amplifier 10 according to embodiments. The peaking amplifier 10 may, for example, be a Serializer/Deserializer (SERDES) type peaking amplifier. In general, the peaking amplifier 10 includes an input amplifier A, an input amplifier B, an amplifier D, and a feedback amplifier FB. The input amplifiers A and B have inputs that are commonly connected to an input voltage Vie. The output of the input amplifier A is connected to a feedback node 12. The output of the input amplifier B is capacitively coupled to the output of the amplifier A by a coupling capacitor C. The output of the input amplifier A is connected to a load resistor R_(A). The load resistor R_(A) is connected between the feedback node 12 and a supply voltage.

The input of the amplifier D is connected to the feedback node 12, and the output of amplifier D is connected to an output node V_(Out) of the peaking amplifier 10. The input of the feedback amplifier FB is connected to the output node V_(Out) of the peaking amplifier 10, and the output of the feedback amplifier FB is connected to the feedback node 12. The feedback amplifier FB shares the load resistor R_(A) with input amplifier A.

The basic function of the peaking amplifier 10 is outlined as follows: The input amplifier A provides a relatively low transconductance g_(mA) from V_(In) to V₁ (at the feedback node 12) at all frequencies, while the amplifier D provides a much higher transconductance (e.g., >10g_(mA)) from V₁ to V_(Out). The feedback amplifier FB attempts to bring down the magnitude of V_(Out) through a negative feedback loop. The feedback transconductance g_(mFB) of the feedback amplifier FB is approximately equal to −g_(mA).

The amplifier B provides a large transconductance g_(mB) (e.g., also >10g_(mA)), which is AC coupled into the feedback node 12 through the coupling capacitor C. At low frequencies, g_(mB) is isolated from the output. However, as the input frequency increases, the impedance of the coupling capacitor C drops, allowing g_(mB) to overpower the negative feedback of the feedback amplifier FB, increasing the overall gain of the peaking amplifier 10. The peaking frequency of the peaking amplifier 10 may be controlled, for example, by adjusting the inductive components of load impedances Z_(B) and Z_(D).

The overall transfer function of the peaking amplifier 10 is given by the following equation:

$\frac{V_{out}}{V_{i\; n}} = {\frac{G_{A}G_{2}}{1 + {G_{FB}G_{2}}} \cdot \frac{1 + {{sCZ}_{B}\left( {1 + \frac{g_{mB}}{g_{m\; A}}} \right)}}{1 + {{sCZ}_{B}\left( {1 + \frac{R_{A}/Z_{B}}{1 + {G_{FB}G_{2}}}} \right)}}}$ Where:

-   -   G_(A)=g_(mA)·R_(A)     -   G_(B)=g_(mB)·Z_(B)     -   G_(D)=g_(mD)·Z_(D)     -   G_(FB)=g_(mFB)·R_(A)

To better understand the peaking amplifier frequency tuning disclosed herein, let us consider the peaking amplifier 10 as a cascaded system as shown in FIG. 2 with a first stage S1 including the amplifiers A and B, and a second, feedback stage S2 containing the feedback loop. To this extent, the transfer function of the feedback stage S2 may be described by the following equation:

$\frac{V_{out}}{V_{1}} = \frac{\alpha}{1 + {\alpha\;\beta}}$ where

-   -   α=G_(D)         and

$\beta = {g_{mFB} \cdot \frac{R_{A}\left( {1 + {sCZ}_{B}} \right)}{1 + {{sC}\left( {R_{A} + Z_{B}} \right)}}}$ Then, it follows that:

$\frac{V_{out}}{V_{1}} = \frac{\alpha\left( {1 + {{sC}\left( {Z_{B} + R_{A}} \right)}} \right.}{1 + {\alpha\; g_{mFB}R_{A}} + {{sC}\left( {Z_{B} + R_{A} + {{sC}\left( {Z_{B} + R_{A} + {g_{mFB}R_{A}Z_{B}}} \right)}} \right.}}$ From this transfer function, the frequency of the dominant pole can be determined to be:

$\omega_{p} = \frac{1}{{CZ}_{B}\left( {1 + \frac{R_{A}/Z_{B}}{1 + {G_{FB}G_{D}}}} \right)}$

It has been observed, in accordance with the above equation, that the operating frequency can be increased, and thus the frequency rolloff pushed higher, by increasing the G_(FB) term, which is the product of g_(mFB) and R_(A). Similarly, the operating frequency can be decreased, and thus the frequency rolloff pushed lower, by decreasing the G_(FB) term. While R_(A) may in some cases be difficult to adjust electrically, g_(mFB) can be electrically adjusted, as presented in detail below and generally indicated by arrow 14 in FIGS. 1 and 2, by suitably tuning the feedback stage S2 of the peaking amplifier 10. In addition, g_(mFB) can be changed with minimal impact on the forward gain path in the peaking amplifier 10, while both amplifiers A and B push their transconductance through R_(A). To this extent, according to embodiments, the operating frequency of the peaking amplifier 10 can be moved or “tuned” without adversely affecting the gain of the peaking amplifier 10 at that frequency.

One technique, for tuning the feedback stage S2 of the peaking amplifier 10, depicted in FIG. 3, involves adjusting the bias voltage (V_(Tune)) of the tail current in the feedback amplifier FB, which will accordingly vary the transconductance g_(mFB) of the feedback amplifier FB. According to embodiments, there is a monotonic relationship between V_(Tune) and g_(mFB), such that g_(mFB) increases as V_(Tune) is increased, and g_(mFB) decreases as V_(Tune) is decreased. By varying the transconductance g_(mFB) of the feedback amplifier FB using tail current tuning (via V_(Tune)), the pole of the feedback path can be adjusted as described above according to:

$\omega_{p} = \frac{1}{{CZ}_{B}\left( {1 + \frac{R_{A}/Z_{B}}{1 + {G_{FB}G_{D}}}} \right)}$ Thus,

-   -   Higher g_(mFB)→Higher ω_(p)→Higher ω_(peak)         and     -   Lower g_(mFB)→Lower ω_(p)→Lower ω_(peak).

In a particular embodiment, the tail transistor in the feedback amplifier FB has a threshold voltage V_(t)=≈290 mV. In this case, the peak frequency of the peaking amplifier 10 can continue to be adjusted with V_(Tune) below this value, gradually cutting out the feedback path. Above a V_(Tune) of ˜400 mV, the drain voltage cannot keep the input transistor in saturation, and performance suffers accordingly. Thus, in this example, a suitable tuning range for V_(Tune) is set to approximately 190 mV-390 mV. For practical purposes, this tuning may be accomplished, for example, using a tunable current mirror. If mirrored through an identical device, the input current will vary from approximately 10 μA-50 μA.

A chart of the frequency response of an illustrative peaking amplifier 10 with fine tuning according to embodiments is presented in FIG. 4. As shown, the tuning bandwidth of the peaking amplifier 10, when tuned using V_(Tune) (FIG. 3), is approximately 15.6 GHz-25.2 GHz. Within this bandwidth, there is a minimal variation in the high frequency gain from approximately 12.4 dB-11.9 dB.

The use of V_(Tune) allows for a “fine” adjustment of the transconductance g_(mFB) of the feedback amplifier FB. This fine tuning may be performed, for example, by adjusting the bias current (e.g., through V_(Tune)) of the feedback amplifier FB which, as described above, results in a monotonic change in the transconductance g_(mFB). By varying the transconductance g_(mFB) of the feedback amplifier FB in this manner, the pole of the feedback path can be adjusted as described above.

According to other embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 5, a “coarse” tuning of the total transconductance g_(mS2) of the feedback amplifiers (e.g., feedback amplifier FB and feedback amplifier cells FB_(Cell)) in the feedback stage S2 can be provided by switching one or more feedback amplifier cells FB_(Cell) into or out of the feedback stage S2 of a frequency tunable peaking amplifier 20. This results in a linear increase or decrease, respectively, of the total transconductance g_(mS2) of the feedback amplifiers in the feedback stage S2, and a corresponding increase or decrease, respectively, of the pole of the feedback stage S2. Each feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell) may provide the same amount of transconductance g_(mFB), or may provide different levels of transconductance g_(mFB).

The switching of a feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell) into or out of the feedback stage S2 of the peaking amplifier 20 may be actuated using a switch 16 at the input of the feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell) as shown in FIG. 5. Tuning can be provided as shown in FIG. 6 by selectively activating/deactivating one or more of the feedback amplifier cells FB_(Cell) using respective input switches 16. While tuning in this manner may be sufficient for some applications, it requires switches 16 capable of handling a high frequency signal, and may result in a large capacitive variation at the output.

To avoid issues related to the use of a switch 16 at the input of a feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell), switching may be accomplished at the gate of the tail transistor in the feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell). This is the same node in the feedback amplifier FB at which V_(Tune) is applied for fine tuning. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell) of a frequency tunable peaking amplifier 30 may be switched off by applying a V_(Tune)=V_(SS) (e.g., ground) to the gate of the tail transistor in the feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell). To this extent, the feedback path provided by a feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell) can be eliminated simply by applying a voltage V_(Tune) that causes the tail transistor in the feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell) to turn off.

The concepts of fine and coarse tuning in a frequency tunable peaking amplifier 40 can be combined into a single implementation as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, a “fine” adjustment of the transconductance g_(mFB) of the feedback amplifier FB, and thus of the total transconductance g_(mS2) of the feedback amplifiers in the feedback stage S2, may be provided by adjusting the bias current V_(Tune)-Fine applied to the gate of the tail transistor in the feedback amplifier FB. By varying the transconductance g_(mFB) of the feedback amplifier FB in this manner, a fine adjustment of the pole of the feedback path can be obtained as described above.

Still referring to FIG. 8, a “coarse” tuning of the total transconductance g_(mS2) of the feedback stage S2 can be provided by switching one or more feedback amplifier cells FB_(Cell) into or out of the feedback stage S2 of the peaking amplifier 40. For example, a given feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell) may be switched off by applying a V_(Tune-Coarse)=V_(SS) (e.g., ground) to the gate of the tail transistor in the feedback amplifier cell FB_(Cell). This results in a linear change of the total transconductance g_(mS2) of the feedback stage S2, and a corresponding change of the pole of the feedback stage S2.

A chart of the frequency response of an illustrative peaking amplifier 40 with fine and coarse tuning according to embodiments is presented in FIG. 9. As shown, the tuning bandwidth of the peaking amplifier 40 with fine and coarse tuning is approximately 14.2 GHz-26.7 GHz. Within this bandwidth, there is a minimal variation in the high frequency gain from approximately 17.5 dB-16.6 dB. Comparing FIGS. 4 and 9, it can be seen that in both cases the tuning mechanism(s) disclosed herein provide a peaking amplifier with a multi-GHz tuning range (instead of a single frequency). In addition, the use of fine and coarse tuning may increase the tuning range of a peaking amplifier compared to just fine tuning.

A control circuit may be used in any of the peaking amplifiers 10, 20, 30, 40 described herein to control the transconductance of the feedback stage S2 and adjust the operational frequency of the peaking amplifier. Other components of the control circuit may be included to provide control schemes for adjusting the value of the transconductance of the feedback stage S2. For example, a dynamic control scheme may be implemented, wherein the transconductance of the feedback stage S2 is dynamically adjusted under changing operating conditions. In particular, a control circuit can be employed to receive as input certain data regarding operating conditions, e.g., data rates, channel loss, etc., and then dynamically output a control signal (e.g., tuning voltage) to dynamically adjust the value of the transconductance of the feedback stage S2 to adjust the operational frequency of the peaking amplifier.

Further aspects of the present disclosure provide tunable peaking amplifiers which can be utilized in integrated circuit chips with various analog and digital integrated circuitries. For example, integrated circuit dies can be fabricated having peaking amplifiers and other semiconductor devices such as field-effect transistors, bipolar transistors, metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc., forming analog and/or digital circuits. The peaking amplifiers can be formed upon or within a semiconductor substrate. An integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention can be employed in applications, hardware, and/or electronic systems. Suitable hardware and systems for implementing the invention may include, but are not limited to, personal computers, communication networks, electronic commerce systems, portable communications devices (e.g., cell phones), solid-state media storage devices, functional circuitry, etc. Systems and hardware incorporating such integrated circuits are considered part of this invention. Given the teachings provided above, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to contemplate other implementations and applications of the techniques of described herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance.

It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. “Approximately” as applied to a particular value of a range applies to both values, and unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument measuring the value, may indicate, for example+/−10% of the stated value(s).

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to an individual in the art are included within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A peaking amplifier circuit, comprising: an input node, an output node and a feedback node; a first input amplifier having an input connected to the input node and an output connected to the feedback node; a second input amplifier having an input connected to the input node; a coupling capacitor connected between an output of the second input amplifier and the feedback node; an amplifier having an input connected to the feedback node and an output connected to the output node; and a feedback circuit having an input coupled to the output node and an output connected to the feedback node, the feedback circuit including a feedback amplifier and a tuning circuit for applying a tuning voltage to a tail transistor of the feedback amplifier to vary a transconductance of the feedback amplifier to adjust an operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit.
 2. The peaking amplifier circuit of claim 1, wherein the tuning circuit selectively activates or deactivates the feedback amplifier to vary the transconductance of the feedback circuit and adjust the operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit.
 3. The peaking amplifier circuit of claim 2, wherein the tuning circuit includes a switch at an input of the feedback amplifier for selectively activating or deactivating the feedback amplifier to vary the transconductance of the feedback circuit and adjust the operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit.
 4. The peaking amplifier circuit of claim 3, wherein the tuning circuit applies a deactivating voltage to the gate of the tail transistor of the feedback amplifier to selectively deactivate the feedback amplifier and adjust the operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit.
 5. The peaking amplifier circuit of claim 4, wherein the deactivating voltage switches off the gate of the tail transistor of the feedback amplifier.
 6. A method, comprising: adjusting a transconductance of a feedback amplifier of a feedback circuit of a peaking amplifier by applying a tuning voltage to a gate of a tail transistor in the feedback amplifier, the tuning voltage varying a transconductance of the feedback amplifier and causing an adjustment of the operational frequency of the peaking amplifier; and automatically adjusting an operational frequency of the peaking amplifier based on the adjustment of the transconductance of the feedback circuit.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein adjusting the transconductance of the feedback circuit includes selectively activating or deactivating the feedback amplifier to vary the transconductance of the feedback.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein selectively activating or deactivating the feedback amplifier includes selectively operating a switch at an input of the feedback amplifier.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein selectively deactivating the feedback amplifier includes applying a deactivating voltage to the gate of the tail transistor of the feedback amplifier.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the deactivating voltage switches off the gate of the tail transistor.
 11. An integrated circuit, comprising: a peaking amplifier circuit, including: an input node, an output node and a feedback node; a first input amplifier having an input connected to the input node and an output connected to the feedback node; a second input amplifier having an input connected to the input node; a coupling capacitor connected between an output of the second input amplifier and the feedback node; an amplifier having an input connected to the feedback node and an output connected to the output node; and a feedback circuit having an input coupled to the output node and an output connected to the feedback node, the feedback circuit including feedback amplifier and a tuning circuit for applying a tuning voltage to a tail transistor of the feedback amplifier to vary a transconductance of the feedback amplifier to adjust an operational frequency of the peaking amplifier circuit. 